The Zman Technologies Shabbos Keeper is not set up to allow for cooking on Friday afternoon before Shabbos.

Question: When Shabbos directly follows Yom tov, how do you set it up to accept Shabbos early?

Answer:  it is not possible to set up the system to accept Shabbos early before Yom Tov. The system does not accommodate this adjustment at this time.

Question: How can you modify the default Yom Tov schedule to cook in the afternoon. This is halachiclally acceptable to:

• cook for children who will eat before the end of the day
• cook for an ill person
• cook for the next day which is Shabbos

Answer: Regarding modifying the default Yom Tov schedule to include cooking in the afternoon, currently, the Shabbos Keeper does not offer customization options for this. The preset schedule is fixed, with cooking available from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and a 4-hour window for candle lighting. For the remainder of the time, the system maintains a warm setting. On Shabbos ending a three-day Yom Tov, the appliance will also stay warm throughout.

Question: Are there models where people  can bypass the ZMan gadget and cook during the upcoming chagim?

Answer: There are some models that have an approved OU/CRC built in shabbos mode.

 

Free-Standing Range

GGF400

GGF500

GGF600

GGS500

GGS600

GGS60L

GRF400

GRF500

GRF600

GRS500

GRS600

GRS60L

XGF500

XRF500

For other models and they want to cook different hours they can always choose to play around with the clock. The built in schedule in cook window from 8-12 so if they want to cook from 10-2, they can change the time on the shabbos keeper before the Chag so the keeper will think its 8-12 while really its 10-2.

Question: Can the consumer disable the Zman appliance and use the Sabbath Mode that comes with the stove?

Answer: From a technical aspect that's simple.  Unplug the Shabbos keeper from the cable.

Editors note: Consider other halachically acceptable options for heating food.

Pre-Yom Tov Sabbath Mode Notice: Setting Sabbath Mode on Refrigerators Before a Three-Day Yom Tov

October 1, 2024 from Star-K:

"Please note that some refrigerator models automatically exit Sabbath Mode after 74 hours (others stay in Sabbath Mode for longer, or indefinitely). While this feature is designed to maintain the refrigerator's efficiency, it can lead to the appliance exiting Sabbath Mode before the end of Shabbos at the close of a "three-day Yom Tov."

"We recommend reviewing your user manual for specific information about how your appliance operates. If your refrigerator exits Sabbath Mode automatically after 74 hours, be aware that if you set the Sabbath Mode more than 30 minutes before the onset of Yom Tov, the appliance might exit Sabbath Mode while it is still Shabbos, in which case, the refrigerator should not be opened or closed once 74 hours have elapsed.

"Should you have questions, STAR-K's appliance team and Institute of Halacha are available to assist you by email, or by phone at 410-484-4110."

Appliance Alert: Certified Thermador Refrigerators & Freezers - Important Update

September 27, 2024 from Star-K:

A few months ago, STAR-K received reports from consumers that the Thermador integrated refrigerators and freezers listed below did not maintain proper cooling temperatures when set in Sabbath Mode:

• T30IR | T30IF | T36IR | T36IF

Thermador has developed a solution to this cooling issue. Unfortunately, it will not be available to consumers before the Yamim Tovim this October.

In the interim, we offer the following workaround: Do not enter Sabbath Mode. Instead, place a strong, thin magnet over the door sensor switch, located at the front and center at the top of the inside door frame. See the location highlighted in yellow in the image above:

Suitable magnets can be found here . Magnets that come without adhesive backing should be taped down, so they don't shift when the door is opened and closed.

Once the magnet is in place, it forces the appliance to "think" that the door is closed. The door may then be opened with a shinui (e.g., looping a hand towel through the handle).

STAR-K will issue further updates as they become available.